Officers
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Mel Weinzimer
President |
Theresa M. Santmann
Vice President |
Cathy Jusino
Co-Treasurer |
Gregory Bonda-Riva
Co-Treasurer |
Patricia Rossi, Esq. Secretary |
Board of Trustees
Daniel Deutsch
Edward Fraser
Irina Gershengoren
Monica Krawczyk
Lesley Logue
Edward Fraser
Irina Gershengoren
Monica Krawczyk
Lesley Logue
Advisory Committee Members
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Robert Bigler
Catherine & Russ Brown Thomas Chang Chestene Coverdale Patrice Frank Christine Gagnon David Gottlieb Roman Krawczyk |
Alfred LaRosa
Kathy Miller Phil Rugile Barry Skolnick Leonardo Tavera Frank Trifaro Christopher Wright Vivian Youngblood |
Officer Bios
Mel Weinzimer
President
Mel Weinzimer retired in January 2017 following a career based on utilizing his background in organic and polymer chemistry applied to working with companies exploring new technologies and manufacturing processes. Mel’s initial efforts were with drug companies focused on pharmaceutical drug research followed by his tenure at Esso Research and Engineering developing and presenting technical training programs in the US, Europe and the Far East.
For the past 40 years he held key executive positions with companies in the US and Europe directing their technical and manufacturing operations utilizing chemical derivatives for the production of a wide range of industrial and consumer products. A primary focus of his efforts was directed at the implementation and application of technology and regulations dealing with environmental compliance. Mel was presented with the Justin P. Allman Award by the Wallcoverings Association for leading the industry efforts on environmental issues. Working with NY Government Agencies Mel was a cofounder and Executive Director of the Industry Rehab Coordinating Council directing programs for the employment of disabled on Long Island.
Mel and his wife Dolly are married 61 years have a daughter and son and four grandchildren.
For the past 40 years he held key executive positions with companies in the US and Europe directing their technical and manufacturing operations utilizing chemical derivatives for the production of a wide range of industrial and consumer products. A primary focus of his efforts was directed at the implementation and application of technology and regulations dealing with environmental compliance. Mel was presented with the Justin P. Allman Award by the Wallcoverings Association for leading the industry efforts on environmental issues. Working with NY Government Agencies Mel was a cofounder and Executive Director of the Industry Rehab Coordinating Council directing programs for the employment of disabled on Long Island.
Mel and his wife Dolly are married 61 years have a daughter and son and four grandchildren.
Theresa Patnode Santmann
Vice President
Theresa Patnode Santmann started life in humble surroundings, growing up on a farm in upstate New York. She began her professional career as a registered nurse, and through hard work and determination, Santmann became a highly successful entrepreneur, inventor and business woman. She was the founder and executive director of two nursing homes in Suffolk County, Little Flower Nursing and rehabilitation in East Islip and Petite Fleur Nursing Home in Sayville. Additionally she created “In Katie’s Care”, a respite center, named for her granddaughter, for the Suffolk County Girl Scouts Council.
Philanthropically, the personal commitment and generosity of Theresa Santmann has reverberated throughout Long Island including a $ 1, 000,000 gifts in support of Winthrop University Hospital’s innovative research program. This contribution is aimed at finding the cause and a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) know as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Santmann’s interest in research resulted when her late husband, John, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 30 and succumbed to the illness 18 years later.
In the year of 2011 President Keen of Farmingdale College announced the largest single gift in the history of the college, $ 1,000,000 donated by Theresa Patnode Santmann. The gift is creating four scholarships spread over the program in nursing, bioscience, dental hygiene and medical technology and will also support faculty research and the enhancing of student research.Theresa Santmann is also active in her community, having served as president of the Babylon village School Board, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and president of the Babylon Village Youth Project. Currently she serves as vice president of Splashes of Hope.
Over the years Theresa Santmann has received many awards for her humanitarian efforts. In 1998, she was an honoree for the March of Dimes Woman of Distinction. In 1999, she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and a distinguished Citizen award from Dowling College. Having bee named one of Long Island’s top 50 women three times, she was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” by Long Island Business News. In 2006 she was honored by the Suffolk County Clerk and the law firm Siben and Siben at a fund raiser to benefit Hospice Care Network.
Theresa Santmann’s accomplishments are multiple and diverse, including a published autobiography entitled, In Gratitude to My Guardian Angel. In 1993, in an effort to make the patients in her nursing homes more comfortable she developed a walker with a folding, pivoting seat and harness, for which she holds a patent.
From 1998 to 2011 she sponsored 37 students in order for them to attend St. Lukes School in the Bronx.
Philanthropically, the personal commitment and generosity of Theresa Santmann has reverberated throughout Long Island including a $ 1, 000,000 gifts in support of Winthrop University Hospital’s innovative research program. This contribution is aimed at finding the cause and a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) know as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Santmann’s interest in research resulted when her late husband, John, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 30 and succumbed to the illness 18 years later.
In the year of 2011 President Keen of Farmingdale College announced the largest single gift in the history of the college, $ 1,000,000 donated by Theresa Patnode Santmann. The gift is creating four scholarships spread over the program in nursing, bioscience, dental hygiene and medical technology and will also support faculty research and the enhancing of student research.Theresa Santmann is also active in her community, having served as president of the Babylon village School Board, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce and president of the Babylon Village Youth Project. Currently she serves as vice president of Splashes of Hope.
Over the years Theresa Santmann has received many awards for her humanitarian efforts. In 1998, she was an honoree for the March of Dimes Woman of Distinction. In 1999, she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and a distinguished Citizen award from Dowling College. Having bee named one of Long Island’s top 50 women three times, she was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” by Long Island Business News. In 2006 she was honored by the Suffolk County Clerk and the law firm Siben and Siben at a fund raiser to benefit Hospice Care Network.
Theresa Santmann’s accomplishments are multiple and diverse, including a published autobiography entitled, In Gratitude to My Guardian Angel. In 1993, in an effort to make the patients in her nursing homes more comfortable she developed a walker with a folding, pivoting seat and harness, for which she holds a patent.
From 1998 to 2011 she sponsored 37 students in order for them to attend St. Lukes School in the Bronx.
GREGORY BONDA-RIVA
CO-TREASURER
Greg Bonda-Riva is currently the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at EisnerAmper LLP, and reports directly to the firm’s CFO. His responsibilities include managing the firm’s annual budget and key performance indicators, as well as delivering special projects to support senior management in making business decisions. Greg has more than 15 years of financial experience; prior to joining EisnerAmper he worked at various Fortune 500 companies including Canon, Computer Associates, Marsh & McLennan, and most recently as Director of Finance at First Data Corporation.
Greg learned about Splashes of Hope through EisnerAmper Cares. He was touched by the dedication and inspiration Splashes of Hope showed during his first visit. In addition to serving on the board of Splashes of Hope, Greg currently serves on the school board of Our Lady of Mercy in Hicksville.
He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Management from New York Institute of Technology. He was a 1st team All-American in college lacrosse and a member of NYIT’s 1997 national championship team. Greg still plays lacrosse all year round and gives back by coaching his town’s PAL team.
Greg lives on Long Island with his wife, and two children.
Greg learned about Splashes of Hope through EisnerAmper Cares. He was touched by the dedication and inspiration Splashes of Hope showed during his first visit. In addition to serving on the board of Splashes of Hope, Greg currently serves on the school board of Our Lady of Mercy in Hicksville.
He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Management from New York Institute of Technology. He was a 1st team All-American in college lacrosse and a member of NYIT’s 1997 national championship team. Greg still plays lacrosse all year round and gives back by coaching his town’s PAL team.
Greg lives on Long Island with his wife, and two children.
CATHY JUSINO
CO-TREASURER
Cathy began her financial services career over 16 years ago at Astoria Bank, starting as a part-time teller and moving on to positions of increasing responsibility and leadership. As a Regional Manager for 15 Astoria Bank branches in Queens, Nassau and Westchester, she has helped the branches achieve high levels of performance, while mentoring and providing professional development for the managers and staff. Today, as Manager of Astoria Bank’s Community Development program, Cathy draws on both her vast retail banking experience and community involvement. She consults with not-for-profit organizations throughout the greater New York metropolitan area to help them succeed in their missions, finding the right solutions to help them bank more conveniently and efficiently.
A graduate of St. John’s University, Cathy also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Ashford University. She is a member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and has been involved with numerous community-based organizations, connecting them with the expertise and resources they need to thrive. Cathy is a recipient of “Community Development Person of the Year” from the Bayside Whitestone Lion’s Club and her work with Non-Profits has allowed her to focus her energies on important missions. Once she became involved in Splashes of Hope, it became evident that Cathy wanted to further her impact on children, especially in a way that included art. In the year that she has known them, she has been able to involve her entire family to assist in the mission of Splashes of Hope, providing insight as well as additional connections. It has been incredibly rewarding for her to work with Splashes of Hope.
A graduate of St. John’s University, Cathy also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Ashford University. She is a member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and has been involved with numerous community-based organizations, connecting them with the expertise and resources they need to thrive. Cathy is a recipient of “Community Development Person of the Year” from the Bayside Whitestone Lion’s Club and her work with Non-Profits has allowed her to focus her energies on important missions. Once she became involved in Splashes of Hope, it became evident that Cathy wanted to further her impact on children, especially in a way that included art. In the year that she has known them, she has been able to involve her entire family to assist in the mission of Splashes of Hope, providing insight as well as additional connections. It has been incredibly rewarding for her to work with Splashes of Hope.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE Bios
daniel deutsch
Daniel Deutsch is a Vice President Business Banker with Flushing Bank working on commercial opportunities in need of capital. He has been in the banking industry for over 10 years. Daniel’s tech background combined with banking allows him to easily navigate first time commercial buyers, investors, developers and real estate brokers.
Daniel is responsible for serving commercial clients on their mortgage financing needs. He uses his experience and expertise to ensure his clients and prospects are educated on the process and products to allow them to select the best financing options available for them.
Daniel has grown his business through his strong relationships with his customers, CPA’s, agents, brokers and attorneys. He takes pride in these relationships and his ability to bring these professionals together to network, share ideas and help them grow their business. In addition, these relationships have helped to foster a new venture into Splashes of Hope where Daniel will help raise funds through Corporate Events, functions and gatherings to raise awareness of what Splashes of Hope offers.
Daniel is responsible for serving commercial clients on their mortgage financing needs. He uses his experience and expertise to ensure his clients and prospects are educated on the process and products to allow them to select the best financing options available for them.
Daniel has grown his business through his strong relationships with his customers, CPA’s, agents, brokers and attorneys. He takes pride in these relationships and his ability to bring these professionals together to network, share ideas and help them grow their business. In addition, these relationships have helped to foster a new venture into Splashes of Hope where Daniel will help raise funds through Corporate Events, functions and gatherings to raise awareness of what Splashes of Hope offers.
Edward Fraser
Eddie Fraser is the Vice President of Corporate Community Relations for Northwell Health; in this role he oversees community outreach and sponsorships for the health system. The Northwell Community Relations team, under Eddie, has hosted food, clothing and toy drives; worked in conjunction with local schools to coordinate and host medical career events; partnered with local community organizations to provide health screenings and educational lectures as well as free flu vaccination distribution clinics.
Eddie’s first experience with Splashes of Hope was at a ribbon cutting ceremony of artwork at Southside Hospital in 2005. Immediately, Eddie believed that the service Splashes of Hope provides was incredibly important to the well-being and healing process for both patients and their families. It was therefore important for Eddie to develop the partnership between Northwell Health and Splashes of Hope (which has grown significantly over the past several years) to increase art installations within health system assets. In addition to providing art pieces in many of Northwell Health hospitals and physician practices, Splashes of Hope helps out throughout the year by sending their talented volunteers to provide face painting for visitors at numerous hospital events.
In addition to serving on the Splashes of Hope board, Eddie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Bay Shore / Brightwaters Chamber of Commerce as well as Food for Hope Inc. and the Founder of Not Today Addiction, Inc. A native of Islip, Eddie resides in Bay Shore with his husband Thomas, and is known for his deep and abiding commitment to his family and to the many communities he serves.
Eddie’s first experience with Splashes of Hope was at a ribbon cutting ceremony of artwork at Southside Hospital in 2005. Immediately, Eddie believed that the service Splashes of Hope provides was incredibly important to the well-being and healing process for both patients and their families. It was therefore important for Eddie to develop the partnership between Northwell Health and Splashes of Hope (which has grown significantly over the past several years) to increase art installations within health system assets. In addition to providing art pieces in many of Northwell Health hospitals and physician practices, Splashes of Hope helps out throughout the year by sending their talented volunteers to provide face painting for visitors at numerous hospital events.
In addition to serving on the Splashes of Hope board, Eddie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Bay Shore / Brightwaters Chamber of Commerce as well as Food for Hope Inc. and the Founder of Not Today Addiction, Inc. A native of Islip, Eddie resides in Bay Shore with his husband Thomas, and is known for his deep and abiding commitment to his family and to the many communities he serves.
IRINA GERSHENGOREN
Irina Gershengoren is a Partner at EisnerAmper LLP. Irina has extensive experience in the financial services industry, serving investment partnerships/companies and private equity funds. Committed to understanding the latest changes, trends and interpretations to best address her clients’ interests, Irina is actively involved with a number of industry groups, staying current on both technical and industry-specific issues.
In addition to serving on the Splashes of Hope board, Irina also serves on the Board of Directors for Association for Corporate Growth – Connecticut Chapter. Irina lives on Long Island with her husband and 2 children.
In addition to serving on the Splashes of Hope board, Irina also serves on the Board of Directors for Association for Corporate Growth – Connecticut Chapter. Irina lives on Long Island with her husband and 2 children.
Lesley Kane-Logue, LMSW
Lesley is a social worker in the health care field, spending much of her training and professional life in the hospital environment, both with pediatrics and adults. Knowing how dismal these medical facilities usually are, Lesley was delighted to learn of Splashes of Hope, Inc., and their mission of bringing color into people’s lives that may be quite gloomy during bad times such as illness and homelessness. Lesley was inspired by the talent and dedication of Heather and her team of artists, and became a donor with her family foundation. The Laurence W. Levine Foundation has been a proud sponsor of SOH since, as although the foundation cannot cure these illnesses or change peoples’ situations, we hope to bring some joy and peace into the lives of those suffering and bring a smile to their faces through Splashes!
advisory committee bios
Chestene Coverdale
Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay III recently nominated Bayport resident, Chestene Coverdale, as the Senior Citizen of the Year for the 8th legislative district. The Suffolk County Senior Citizen of the Year Award is given to a person who has enhanced the lives of older residents in Suffolk County through advocacy, leadership, volunteerism, and acting as a role model to all generations.
“Chestene is extremely deserving of this prestigious honor,” said Lindsay III. “She is constantly looking for ways to help her neighbors and improve the lives of all Suffolk County residents.”
In addition to being an educator, philanthropist, wife, mother, and grandmother, Chestene currently serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Sayville Food Pantry, where she has been hosting career workshops, providing counseling, and distributing clothing and food to people in need. Chestene also sits on the Board of Directors for Splashes of Hope, is an active member of the Sayville Rotary and is an educational supervisor of students and teachers at Dowling College.“Chestene’s an outstanding advocate for all people in Suffolk County,” said Lindsay III. “From her work with the Sayville Rotary to all of her generous efforts at the Greater Sayville Food Pantry, Chestene has shown time and time again that service above self is not only a Rotarian motto, but her way of life. I cannot thank her enough for all that she has accomplished for our community.”
“Chestene is extremely deserving of this prestigious honor,” said Lindsay III. “She is constantly looking for ways to help her neighbors and improve the lives of all Suffolk County residents.”
In addition to being an educator, philanthropist, wife, mother, and grandmother, Chestene currently serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Sayville Food Pantry, where she has been hosting career workshops, providing counseling, and distributing clothing and food to people in need. Chestene also sits on the Board of Directors for Splashes of Hope, is an active member of the Sayville Rotary and is an educational supervisor of students and teachers at Dowling College.“Chestene’s an outstanding advocate for all people in Suffolk County,” said Lindsay III. “From her work with the Sayville Rotary to all of her generous efforts at the Greater Sayville Food Pantry, Chestene has shown time and time again that service above self is not only a Rotarian motto, but her way of life. I cannot thank her enough for all that she has accomplished for our community.”
Patrice L. Frank
Patrice has been a development professional for more than 30 years. At Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts since 2001, Ms. Frank created a comprehensive fundraising program which led to the initiation of an annual membership campaign, a new Leadership Council, increased corporate and foundation support and two unique special events: Usdan University, an arts camping experience for adults only, and in 2004 a first time Gala Dinner and Student Concert under the stars. She was also responsible for the Center's 35th Anniversary Gala at Carnegie Hall celebrated in 2003.
Previously she was a Senior Development Executive with UJA-Federation of New York for 12 years. Her position was capital fundraising; working with over 30 network agencies, including major hospitals and nursing homes, human service agencies, community centers and camps. Responsibilities included prospect identification, research, cultivation, proposal development, solicitations and donor stewardship. Prior to that position Patrice was Director of Development at Skills Unlimited, Inc. a vocational rehabilitation and training center.
Patrice was President of the Long Island chapter of AFP in 2009 and 2010 and was chair of 2003 Philanthropy Day attracting more than 700 professional fundraisers, board members, volunteers, philanthropists and corporate supporters. She has taught various fundraising courses for AFPLI’s continuing education program at Long Island University and has been a presenter at Fund Raising Day in New York. A frequent mentor to new development professionals and is an active member of ABA, American Business Associates. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and a NYS teaching certificate from Hofstra University and is a resident of Port Washington.
Previously she was a Senior Development Executive with UJA-Federation of New York for 12 years. Her position was capital fundraising; working with over 30 network agencies, including major hospitals and nursing homes, human service agencies, community centers and camps. Responsibilities included prospect identification, research, cultivation, proposal development, solicitations and donor stewardship. Prior to that position Patrice was Director of Development at Skills Unlimited, Inc. a vocational rehabilitation and training center.
Patrice was President of the Long Island chapter of AFP in 2009 and 2010 and was chair of 2003 Philanthropy Day attracting more than 700 professional fundraisers, board members, volunteers, philanthropists and corporate supporters. She has taught various fundraising courses for AFPLI’s continuing education program at Long Island University and has been a presenter at Fund Raising Day in New York. A frequent mentor to new development professionals and is an active member of ABA, American Business Associates. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and a NYS teaching certificate from Hofstra University and is a resident of Port Washington.
Christine Gagnon
Christine Gagnon is an Audit Director with nearly 15 years of public accounting experience. She provides services to public and private clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, retail, manufacturing, software and technology. Christine is responsible for all phases of the audit, including the planning, organization, supervision, and review of the fieldwork. She also assists in the training and mentoring of staff and is involved in the recruitment of new employees.
In addition, Christine is a chairperson for EisnerAmper Cares, the firm’s community volunteer organization aimed at serving those in need through donations of employees’ time and skills to charitable, civic and environmental projects and programs - which is how she found Splashes of Hope.
She has a strong appreciation for the work that is done by Splashes and has extra appreciation after having to visit the emergency room with her young child for a quick visit to get stitches. The colorful, kid-friendly artwork on the walls and ceiling tiles provided the much needed distraction that her two year old needed during treatment. Christine resides in Florida with her husband Sean and two children Brielle and Tyler.
Because of her proactive approach to community service and through a personal experience that exposed her to our work, Christine reached out to us during the EisnerAmper, LLP Volunteer Week. From that point forward she has taken an active role with us, participating in fund raising, planning sessions, working on our annual gala and helping us spread the word about our mission throughout the business community.
She also became very hands-on by donating art supplies for events and money and by being involved in all the key areas of the organization. Christine displays leadership qualities that are extremely useful in helping drive our work forward. Since then she has engaged even further, recently organizing an EisnerAmper, LLP team of 12 employees to help us clean up our studios and prime mural boards of Masonite for final art applications which helped our team to more efficiently fulfill our mission.
Despite her already busy personal and business life, we have found Christine to be a very dependable and an active participant in the Splashes mission. Christine has previously served as Board Secretary, Board Treasurer and was the Chairperson for the 20th Anniversary Splashes of Hope Gala.
In addition, Christine is a chairperson for EisnerAmper Cares, the firm’s community volunteer organization aimed at serving those in need through donations of employees’ time and skills to charitable, civic and environmental projects and programs - which is how she found Splashes of Hope.
She has a strong appreciation for the work that is done by Splashes and has extra appreciation after having to visit the emergency room with her young child for a quick visit to get stitches. The colorful, kid-friendly artwork on the walls and ceiling tiles provided the much needed distraction that her two year old needed during treatment. Christine resides in Florida with her husband Sean and two children Brielle and Tyler.
Because of her proactive approach to community service and through a personal experience that exposed her to our work, Christine reached out to us during the EisnerAmper, LLP Volunteer Week. From that point forward she has taken an active role with us, participating in fund raising, planning sessions, working on our annual gala and helping us spread the word about our mission throughout the business community.
She also became very hands-on by donating art supplies for events and money and by being involved in all the key areas of the organization. Christine displays leadership qualities that are extremely useful in helping drive our work forward. Since then she has engaged even further, recently organizing an EisnerAmper, LLP team of 12 employees to help us clean up our studios and prime mural boards of Masonite for final art applications which helped our team to more efficiently fulfill our mission.
Despite her already busy personal and business life, we have found Christine to be a very dependable and an active participant in the Splashes mission. Christine has previously served as Board Secretary, Board Treasurer and was the Chairperson for the 20th Anniversary Splashes of Hope Gala.
Chris Wright
Chris Wright is the head of the New York office of Protiviti Consulting and is the Regional Managing Director for the firm’s Eastern United States operations. He is also the firm-wide Managing Director of the Finance Remediation and Reporting Compliance group, which serves clients by assisting them in solving accounting and financial reporting issues and challenges. He has nearly twenty-five years of experience serving a variety of clients, including six years as a partner at two global accounting firms (Arthur Andersen and KPMG).
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from Franciscan University.
In addition to serving on the Advisory Board of Splashes of Hope, Chris volunteers as the chair of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, as a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and as a member of the board of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA).
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from Franciscan University.
In addition to serving on the Advisory Board of Splashes of Hope, Chris volunteers as the chair of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, as a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, and as a member of the board of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA).
